The Arakan National Party chairman has conceded defeat to his National League for Democracy rival counterpart.

Dr Aye Maung acknowledged his loss of the Upper House seat in Arakan State’s Munaung Township constituency-2.

“I’ve learned that I lost the polls, to an NLD candidate, but I don’t know exactly by how many votes as I was travelling to Sittwe to vote. I will accept the people’s choice, their decision.

“Now that I wasn’t elected, I will not be able to implement the projects I planned out for the region,” said Dr Aye Maung, adding that he was happy for the successful NLD candidate.

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Dr Aye Maung confirmed last week he was eyeing the chief minister role in Arakan State – a top job that would have allowed him to oversee the western state’s economic agenda.

The region has been the site of deadly communal tensions between the majority Buddhist and minority Muslim population in 2012, with resentments still simmering as many continue to face discrimination.

The ANP were widely tipped to poll well in the region. The party was the result of a 2014 merger between the Arakan League for Democracy and the Rakhine Nationalities Democratic Party.

The chairman previously told DVB: “We will win 100 percent in all parts of Rakhine [Arakan].”

Read the full 2015 election coverage here.

Read more about Arakan State here.